Breast cancer also a male problem | Multidisciplinary

In Malaysia, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers account for approximately half of all reported cancer cases. In order of prevalence, breast cancer tops the list, followed by colorectal, lung, nasopharyngeal, and liver cancers. [Available at https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheets.pdf Accessed on 27 October 2022]

Dr Jenson Sow Wen Jen, a consultant oncologist in private practice, said men can also develop breast cancer. “Although breast cancer is rare among men, they still should be aware of the signs and symptoms for early detection. As with any type of cancer, it is always important to detect the signs as early as possible, to have proper treatment taken. For men, it is more critical for survival as cancer tends to spread faster to the adjacent organs because men generally have less breast tissue. Hence, early detection for breast cancer among men is crucial and can save lives.”

Sow listed some common symptoms for breast cancer in men which include:

Swelling of the chest area

Ulceration on the breast or nipple

Tender or inverted nipple

Rash on or around the nipple

Oozing discharge from the nipple, sometimes with blood

Lump in the underarm area

Factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer in men include:
1. Age: The risk among men increases with age especially among men older than 60. However, younger men have occasionally been diagnosed with breast cancer.

2. Gene mutation: Mutation in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase breast cancer risk even in men. BRCA2 additionally increases the risk of prostate cancer.

3. Family history of breast cancer: Like women, a family history of breast cancer imparts increased risk to men.

4. Hormone therapy: Certain drugs containing oestrogen, which was used in the past to treat prostate cancer can increase breast cancer risk in men.

5. Klinefelter syndrome: A genetic disorder in which a male has an additional X chromosome. This can result in increased oestrogen production and decreased androgen production.

6. Prior radiation therapy: Ironically, men with a previous history of radiation therapy to the chest have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

7. Liver cirrhosis: Cirrhosis of the liver can decrease androgen levels and increase oestrogen levels, thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer in men.
8. Being overweight and obese: Older men who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop breast cancer than men of normal weight.